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If you are a solo or small firm practitioner in Wisconsin, you might assume that the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), found at 15 U.S.C. § 1601 et seq., is a headache reserved exclusively for banks, mortgage lenders, and auto finance companies.

That assumption would be faulty. In reality, TILA can apply to local businesses, home contractors, and service providers.

When you pair TILA with Wisconsin’s counterpart – the Wisconsin Consumer Act (WCA), Wis. Stat. chapters 421-427 –…
Continue Reading How to Keep Your Business Clients from Becoming Accidental Creditors

On July 15, 2026, the Trump Administration announced a new 25 percent tariff on all imports from Brazil, with certain exemptions under sections 301(b) and 304(a) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (“Trade Act”). The new tariffs will go into effect on July 22, 2026.

Importers should promptly review affected products, evaluate available exemptions, and assess potential cost and supply-chain impacts. 
Which Products Are Subject to the New Brazil Tariffs?
The new tariffs apply broadly to imports

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Continue Reading Trump Administration to Impose 25% Tariffs on Brazil Imports

In any transaction, the spotlight usually shines on the main agreement. That’s where the negotiation happens, the signatures go, and the headlines get made.

But the real guts of the deal? They’re often found in the documents no one talks about.

Lien releases. Bills of sale. Assignments. Resolutions. Certificates. Notices.

These so-called ancillary documents may not get much attention, but they’re what make the deal enforceable, functional, and safe. They transfer ownership, clear title, allocate risk, and ensure everyone…
Continue Reading The Deal is in the Details

The incoming U.S. Presidential administration is loudly signaling that businesses should expect changes in trade policies in 2025. Although no specific policies have yet been promulgated, the President-Elect has stated in social media outlets that broadly sweeping import tariffs may be imposed on goods from Mexico, Canada and China. Even without policy details, there are key steps many U.S. businesses should consider in advance of any specific changes.

First, any business that exports goods, services or information, should have…
Continue Reading Taking Stock of Trade Issues in 2025

As the demand for renewable energy sources continues to grow worldwide, landowners and developers have realized the potential in harnessing the power of solar and wind energy in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is well known for having large swaths of flat, open land, often used for traditional farming activities. Such topography is perfect for energy companies looking to expand their generating capacity, often paying landowners a premium for the use of such land.  

Leasing and easement arrangements are the essential methods…
Continue Reading Solar and Wind Lease Agreements

Are you like so many businesses I see that offers wellness services across the United States, perhaps through a virtual platform? If so, pay attention. Depending on the type of services you offer, you may be subject to state laws regarding refunds and cancellation policies. Let me give you an example:

A fitness company offers a membership program to anyone, anywhere. Customers can pay in advance and receive a discount or pay monthly. The fitness company’s Terms and Conditions…
Continue Reading Is Your Wellness Service Refund Policy Compliant?

Here is the latest faculty scholarship appearing in the University of Wisconsin Law School Legal Studies Research Papers series found on SSRN.

We know that pro se litigants often lose. However, we know almost nothing about the circumstances in which they win. One such circumstance, this Article finds, is when they can take advantage of favorable precedent. This Article calls those favorable…
Continue Reading Recent UW Law Faculty Scholarship

Compliance concept on white papers
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One of the biggest challenges a compliance officer faces is establishing a strong commitment to creating a culture of compliance and obtaining recognition–there needs to be a compliance “tone from the top” of an organization.  There are numerous potential challenges to getting buy-in for this concept.  This can create frustration for compliance officers aware of the concept of compliance program effectiveness and the importance of a compliance culture beginning at the top of the organization.  A common potential challenge…
Continue Reading Compliance Officer Challenges and Commitment to Compliance Culture